What do you think

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJcbaCAQ/

It’s interesting what those on tik tik thought (other than him looking too young)

Stop glamourising violence and drug taking

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-66995475.amp

The Department of Administrative Affairs was so successful, it has been devolved into the Office for National Statistics and The Ministry for Levelling Up.

Latest success stories are being released daily to the masses...


"The UK economy grew faster than expected in Q1, according to new ONS figures.

[Such good news it's repeated for the hard of believing.]

The UK economy grew faster that expected between January and March this year, new revised official figures have suggested.

Richard Carter of Quilter Cheviot says: 'The economy may be holding up just now, but it is asking a lot for it to continue to do so for quite so long.' 
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it now thinks gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.3 per cent in the first three months of the year, up from the 0.1 per cent previously estimated.
The ONS left its estimate for the second quarter of the year unchanged.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "Our new estimates indicate a stronger performance for professional and scientific businesses due to improved data sources.
Meanwhile, healthcare grew less because of new near real-time information showing the cost of delivering services."

It means the UK economy is now expected to have grown by 1.8 per cent between the final quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of this year.
That puts the country's economy ahead of both Germany (0.2 per cent) and France (1.7 per cent) during the same period. But it is still behind Italy (2.1 per cent), Canada (3.5 per cent), Japan (3 per cent) and the US (6.1 per cent).

A previous estimate had shown that the UK's economy shrank by 0.5 per cent during that period, the joint-worst performance with Germany out of the aforementioned countries.

It comes following a series of revisions to GDP estimates, which were made much more difficult during the pandemic and energy crisis.

Earlier this month, the ONS said it now thinks GDP returned to its pre-pandemic level by the last three months of 2021, much earlier than first thought. The ONS made the revisions after accessing new data.
Taken together, recent revisions mean GDP is around 2 per cent higher than thought to be previously. The upgrade to the first quarter of this year was largely because of new data from the health and education sector and revised VAT figures, the ONS said."

Not only do we pay for this, we have to suffer having to read about it regularly.

If the ONS did not exist, would you notice?

Anyone using Virgin? Do you get caller ID on your home phone?

We get it with BT but am thinking of moving to Virgin as we get our phone line free but would miss caller display if it's not available.

https://news.sky.com/story/amp/blackpool-healthcare-workers-guilty-of-ill-treatment-by-unlawfully-sedating-patients-12972409

https://amp.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/04/world-cup-2030-to-be-hosted-in-spain-portugal-morocco-and-south-america

Someone put a link to this discussion on another social media site - I found it very interesting so am reposting here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Y_iM5npnw

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-66113524.amp

Brave boy protects his little brother

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-66665551.amp

https://youtu.be/KdVWwrvV3-U?si=1KQC-T7DALxD8SU5

Judging from the comments to the footage they are only making people even more unsympathetic to their cause

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/21/gb-news-will-not-investigate-claims-against-presenter-dan-wootton

Probably the best programme on GBNews that doesn't start with a right-wing bias. Also there is no arguing between panellists. The host, usually Andrew Doyle, only lets each of the guests talk to him, not argue with each other directly.
They also take questions from the live studio audience.
It airs tomorrow, Sunday at 7pm.

In last Saturday’s Daily Mail there appeared two very interesting articles. Putting aside the political bias of this paper and concentrating purely on the facts we are faced with a very interesting choice as follows:-
HEADS
1) The government has agree to grant India owned Tata Steel £500million of taxpayers money to convert their Port Talbot coal furnaces from coal to green arc furnaces, thus preventing the closure of the plant. Tata will add £750million bringing the total to £1.25billion.
2) Tata Steel employs 8,000 workers and supports a supply chain of 12,500 jobs but the conversion will create 3000 redundancies but will save the remaining 5,000, together with those in the supply chain.
3) It is estimated that the conversion will reduce the UK’s CO2 emissions by1.5% i.e. 4.71Mt which equates to 0.013% (my calculation) of Global Emissions.
TAILS.
1) The steel industry is vital to the UK’s defence industry, also the car industry, and with war in Europe even more so.
2) The UK steel industry has already declined from 300,000 jobs in 1970 to 39,800 jobs at present.
3) Tata is a major investor, Jaguar/Rover, in the UK and will invest £15billion, over 5 years, in the conversion of the car industry to green production, including £4billion for a new car battery plant. Further it is one of the few inward investors that are strongly backing the UK.
4) Tata’s primary investments in the UK are a main contributor to the UK’s growth that has seen us become the world’s 8th largest manufacturing hub overtaking France.
5) A further benefit could be that by supporting Tata, the Government will be improving relation with India while we are negotiating a tariff breaking new trade deal.
MY COMMENT.
The anti-green lobby will say that this is not a cost effective way, in times of economic stress, of reducing CO2 emissions which is clearly true.
The Trade Unions in their usual dog in the manger approach say it is a shift to green at the expense of the workers while ignoring the saving of some 17,500 jobs that will otherwise be lost. Progress is usually less labour intensive.
In this group there are those who, while never having had to make a significant decision in their lives, and who, with the clarity of hindsight, always know what is the right action. For them here is an opportunity to come out of their foxholes and express an opinion BEFORE the outcome is known.
MY OPINION.
To spend £500million to achieve a 0.013% reduction in Global CO2 emissions while losing 3,000 jobs would be stupidity of the highest order, however, taking into account all the other considerations then it is surely right to make this investment and regard the CO2 gain as a fortunate spin off, not a reason.
I will await comment with interest,
NB. The figure for CO2 emissions vary depending on the source but the ones that I used are of the right order, and I hope I got 0’s right.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66982160

Taking away the parental responsibility from murderers who try to control their children’s life from behind prison walls after killing their partners

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a45423944/jades-law-explained/

Well done to Jade’s parents

I've tried putting this on Community Support, but no response (obviously me). Would anyone be able to tell me, in simple terms, how to take a screenshot on the new (immensely annoying) smartphone I have, please. I've been asked 3 times to send a screenshot, but I lie and say I don't have a smartphone. Thanks.

https://www.ladbible.com/news/turkey-shortage-christmas-2022-bird-flu-20221031

It is in the sliding door - click on for full photo

I was aware of the trouble caused for JK Rowling but wasn’t aware of others whose life’s have been torn apart by trans activists , even in this case whilst they were in hospital . It is a long piece, taken from a book, but very interesting and in my view very worrying

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12577089/amp/I-lost-career-wife-friends-reputation-engulfed-tsunami-trans-rights-madness-says-Father-Ted-creator-GRAHAM-LINEHAN.html

Other countries strengthening their defence


https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/Australia-redeploys-troops-to-north-in-bid-to-deter-China?utm_source=paid.outbrain.com&utm_campaign=BA_broad_CORE_AM&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=RSSfeed&dicbo=v4-7Zb5gSf-1131228701

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather/topstories/uk-weather-exact-day-britain-to-be-hit-by-europe-s-37c-heatwave-as-heat-engulfs-nation/ar-AA1hyuoU?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=a0fb741b4ac04b76ae3f837def1f1cf2&ei=19

https://amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/28/boy-16-arrested-in-connection-with-felling-of-famous-sycamore-gap-tree-hadrians-wall-england

With celebrities that are dancers such as Layton Williams

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/2023-strictly-stars-past-dance-30922927

A few months old but I think this story is worth looking at - nice to see someone thinking of others

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2023-07-20/man-has-first-haircut-after-41-months-to-make-wigs-for-young-cancer-patients

Everyone remembers Chernobyl and Hiroshima but how many of us think of Bhopal

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jun/14/bhopal-toxic-gas-leak-chemical-environmental-disaster-waiting-for-justice-union-carbide-dow

This link from earlier this year reminds us that families are still suffering almost 40 years on

https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/economic-justice-winter-fuel-allowance

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66809642

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJv7MKNk/

When you know he is disqualified from driving and why let him risk the life of his unborn child
My heart goes out to the police officer

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12575501/amp/Police-Interceptor-sorry-killing-wanted-criminal-Kevin-Bainbridge-Spennymoor-pursuit.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-66966056

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/wetherspoons-cuts-prices-on-60-food-and-drink-items-see-the-full-list-of-deals-o/

https://theworld.org/stories/2023-09-26/spain-all-boys-choir-finds-new-tune-and-admits-girls

Last supermoon of the year

For me definitely going on are one each of
Bacon
Sausage
Black pudding
Fried egg*
Fried bread (half slice)
Baked beans ( one large spoonful, not the whole tin)

Sometimes going on are
Mushrooms or a hash brown, but not both.

Definitely not going on are
Tinned tomato.

*if I'm having the full english breakfast in a hotel I swap the fried egg for a poached egg.

Here is my top 7 of takeaway burgers.
1. Smacks
2. Five Guys
3. Burger King
4. Amigos
5. Wendy's
6. McDonalds
7. Morleys

I've put Smacks as my number one because they use Angus beef ground in house and cook the burgers to order. Also I love their criss-cross fries with peri peri seasoning.
I've put Morleys last as you are risking food poisoning every time.

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/fabulous/11293924/mortified-neighbour-note-intimate-moments/amp/

Part 1 was expanding the ULEZ and encouraging those people that can't afford a new car to use public transport instead.
The official reason for ULEZ is to combat non-existant air pollution. The real reason is to raise money from the £12.50 that some car drivers and most van drivers will be paying to drive in the zone.

Part 2 is Khan's announcement that he is scrapping the Travelcard. So instead of being able to pay one price, then being able to do multiple journeys all day, week or month, people will have to pay for each journey by contactless or oyster. And with all those potential new travellers that have been forced to switch from car to public transport, it's going to be another cash cow.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2023/08/04/sadiq-khan-faces-anger-over-plan-to-scrap-one-day-london-travelcard/

And she wasn’t the only one

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJvuEWwY/

The cost of cremation in the UK can vary significantly depending on various factors such as location, type of service, and additional options. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are some approximate cost ranges:

Direct Cremation: This is the simplest and most cost-effective option. It involves the cremation of the deceased without a funeral service. Prices can range from £1,000 to £2,000 or more, depending on location.

Cremation with a Basic Service: If you opt for a basic funeral service with a cremation, you can expect to pay between £2,000 and £4,000, but this can vary.

Traditional Funeral with Cremation: A full funeral service followed by cremation can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £6,000 or more, depending on your choices for the service, casket, and other extras.

Location: Prices can vary significantly depending on where you are in the UK. London and the South East generally have higher costs compared to other regions.

Additional Costs: There may be additional costs for things like a memorial or headstone, floral arrangements, and the urn or container for the ashes.

Prepaid Plans: Some people opt for prepaid funeral plans to lock in prices and ease the financial burden on their loved ones. These plans can vary in cost depending on what they cover.

Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs can differ widely based on your specific choices and location. It's advisable to contact local funeral homes or crematoriums for more precise pricing information, as costs may have changed since my last update in September 2021. https://www.irisorderofservices.co.uk/average-cost-of-a-funeral-cremation/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66934909

Those people must've have been .............themselves. Apart from the person on the phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGFe-Ewseak

https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/tourist-stones-turkey-facing-prison-496186-20230927

A petition demanding the Welsh Government reverses its 'disastrous' 20mph speed limit has brought in more than 284,000 signatures - equal to nine per cent of the country's population.

The new law, which came into force on September 17, was introduced by the Labour run government which claims the £32million rollout of 20mph limits will save lives and cut NHS costs by £92million a year.

But furious residents in Wales have demanded the move to replace 30mph limits be reversed, saying the government's claim that it will save lives lacks evidence and it will make 'no difference' to road accidents.

Do you know of another

My Chelmsford branch is closing. I am told my nearest VM bank will be Northampton from October!!. Apparently, too few people use the banks, most now bank on line. I am closing my tiny account, because I want to have access to face to face when I need it! When I went in to close it - there were two people before me, it wasn't very private, and I could hear that they also were closing their accounts - and I could also hear that they had several thousands! The counter clerk (dropped in by VM to deal with these, apparently) told me that Essex customers were coming in to close their accounts, because even when they did do all their banking on line, they still wanted the option of talking to someone face to face if necessary.
I feel that VM may have made a bit of an error. They make a big deal of every closed branch being within half a mile of a Post Office, where you can do day to day VM banking. But that doesn't solve the problem of not having face to face availability if you want to do more than that, and don't want to do that on line. Obviously a lot of people feel the same - and there will be areas like this all over the country - they are closing 39 banks!

.... an all meat and dairy diet?
That is no vegetables or carbs or bread.
Someone I follow on X @lewisschaffer is on that type of diet regime. I have to say the photos of the meals he is about to eat look a lot more tasty than some of the stuff that vegans think is edible.

To control women

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-66922061

First they accuse India of a state sponsored killing, and now this.
After a standing ovation for Ukraine's president Zelensky, who is jewish, they have another standing ovation for a Ukrainian who was a Nazi SS officer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwjjAfdrG2M

A near neighbour of ours was cremated yesterday after passing away recently, after his heart operation was cancelled three times.

https://www.nhsconfed.org/news/nhs-leaders-warn-recorded-cancellations-result-industrial-action-are-tip-iceberg#:~:text=With%20junior%20doctors%20set%20to,of%20industrial%20action%20on%20patients.